Comment by curiousgeorgio

> Absolute poverty would be eliminated, and we would no longer motivate people through the fear of not being able to eat

That's the biggest misconception about poverty. It isn't about not having access to financial help when you need it (we already have plenty of programs in the US that should - in theory - solve those same problems).

Poverty in America is more about culture and lack of education. Give any amount of money to many of the poorest citizens in the country, and they'll be no better off after a week of frivolous spending.